Commercial aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have joined forces to conduct research into new technologies and processes in the area of computational-fluid dynamics (CFD).

The one-year agreement, valued at about R1,5-million, aims to research and define technologies in numerical modelling that could contribute to the design of clean and efficient next-generation jetliners.

The project forms part of Airbus's research and technology (R&T) partnership with South Africa, which was launched with the departments of Science and Technology and of Trade and Industry in 2006.

Through this CFD project, the CSIR has become a member of Airbus's global R&T network. The CSIR explained that the project would see local aeronautics engineers playing a vital role in the development of mathematical software intended to aid Airbus in its design and manufacture of next-generation aircraft aimed at providing a more eco-efficient means of travel.

"This CFD research project contract demonstrates Airbus's recognition of the CSIR and South Africa's significant capabilities in hi-tech engineering science and technology. It clearly illustrates our strategy of harnessing a global knowledge base in technology, which is the only answer to manage air transport growth while reducing the impact on the environment," explained Airbus senior vice-president for research and technology Axel Krein.

"It is the first time that Airbus will be making use of the skills of CSIR researchers and we are excited and confident that it will be a mutually beneficial research partnership," commented principal researcher in computational aerodynamics at the CSIR Dr Arnaud Malan.
 
"This is a rapidly growing engineering field and is highly competitive. In a nutshell, our research in this area of computational mechanics will help to enable the design of an aircraft in cyber space," he added.

CSIR researchers would employ the capabilities of the Centre for High Performance Computing - a Department of Science and Technology initiative managed by the CSIR's Meraka Institute in cooperation with the University of Cape Town - during this research project.
 

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